The United States called today, Wednesday, Lebanese political officials to carry out deep reforms in their country, stressing that their position is consistent with the urgent message that French President Emmanuel Macron brought to Beirut.
Macron was the first foreign official to visit the Lebanese capital after the massive explosion that occurred on the fourth of August in the Beirut port. During his second visit in less than a month, on Tuesday, he extracted from the political forces a pledge to form a government composed of "competent personalities" within 15 days and to undertake urgent reforms that respond to the demands of the Lebanese.
In contrast, the United States has only sent much lesser diplomats to Lebanon.
"I work closely with the French," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a press conference. "We share the same goal."
He added, "The situation can no longer continue as it was before, it is just unacceptable. I think President Macron said the same thing."
He continued, "This government must undertake profound reforms. The Lebanese are asking for real change and the United States will use its presence and diplomatic means to ensure that this is achieved."
Pompeo once again criticized Iran´s ally Hezbollah, which Washington considers a terrorist organization.
"We all know the history of Lebanon: everyone surrendered their weapons, except for Hezbollah. It is the current challenge," he said.
As part of the continuing international pressure, US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker will visit Beirut on Wednesday, the second visit by a US official since the explosion. According to a foreign ministry statement, officials will urge "to implement reforms that meet the demands of the Lebanese people."
On a parallel line, the Lebanese Prime Minister-designate, Mustafa Adeeb, began parliamentary consultations to form a government within 15 days, with the aim of implementing urgent reforms in the country that suffers from a deep political and economic crisis.
